Vitality and Diversity

It is generally agreed in urban planning that vitality and diversity in urban environments leads to vibrant livable cities. Jane Jacobs documented these ideals more than 50 years ago in her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities that are as relevant today as they were then. In the 1960’s the City of Boston experienced an exodus to the suburbs, but today people are moving back to the City and with it the diversity.

At a more intimate scale the week-long Art Exhibition PAYETTE illustrates the internal diversity among its professional family that exemplifies the talents and vitality that make up PAYETTE. Early in the planning process for the exhibit it became clear that we have a lot of talent in the office. As we explored the submissions, I was struck by the sheer variety of work. Running week-long the exhibit showcases the individual talents that range from hand sketches, painting, sculpture, traditional dance and textile works. Not only does the work represent a richness of talent, but it illustrates a level of creative thinking among the project teams within PAYETTE. It’s this individual creativity that adds to the collective whole and collaboration that we share with our clients.

Our lobby’s been transformed into a gallery for the night! Love seeing what PAYETTErs create in their free time. pic.twitter.com/04aJGykl3U

— PAYETTE (@PAYETTEpeople) February 12, 2015

Whether you choose to view the work as craft, art or design these words describe the passions and individual creativity among the 40 staff that showed their work. Curated by the planning committee, the art speaks to each other and creates a dialogue between the works and observer in a similar way that a vibrant urban environment is the result of diversity.